Living with Sjögren’s disease? 🎙️ The Sjö, our NEW podcast, is officially LIVE! Real patient stories, expert insights, and honest conversations about life with Sjögren’s. Listen now: ghlf.org/thesjo/ #SjögrensDisease #TheSjö

Arthritis is more than joint pain. It's more than a diagnosis. And it's certainly not just a part of getting older. Today, October 12, is World Arthritis Day — a reminder that millions of people are living with conditions that can affect nearly every part of their lives, often in ways others cannot see. According to the CDC, more than 53 million U.S. adults — roughly 1 in 5 — have been diagnosed with arthritis. But behind that number are people whose lives don't stop when symptoms begin. People working through fatigue. Navigating chronic pain and inflammation. Losing sleep. Canceling plans. Adjusting routines. Trying to explain symptoms that may change from one day to the next. And sometimes, facing the exhausting task of convincing others that what they're experiencing is real. Arthritis doesn't have one face, one age, or one story. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related rheumatic conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Each comes with its own challenges, and no two people's experiences are exactly alike. That's why awareness must go beyond recognizing symptoms. It means taking pain seriously. Supporting earlier diagnosis and access to appropriate care. Understanding that disability isn't always visible. Making room for accommodations, rest, and the reality that someone's abilities can change from day to day. It also means listening to patients — not just talking about them. At CreakyJoints, we believe people living with arthritis deserve reliable information, compassionate care, and a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their health. And to everyone living with arthritis: You are more than your diagnosis. Your experiences matter. Your voice matters. And you deserve to be heard. This World Arthritis Day, we want to hear from you: 💬 What's one thing you wish the world understood about living with arthritis? Your answer might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today. Explore patient-centered arthritis education and support: creakyjoints.org/ Different journeys. One community. 💜 #WorldArthritisDay #ArthritisAwareness #CreakyJoints

We’re in Las Vegas for the @RheumAPP Annual Conference! 💙 It’s been a great opportunity to connect with rheumatology nurses and share @GHLForg resources designed to help patients better understand their health and navigate their care. Grateful for our continued partnership with @RhAPP and for everyone stopping by to connect, share insights, and help us keep patients at the center of the conversation. #PolymyalgiaRheumatica #PMR

Science matters most when people can understand it — and use it. Today, @GHLForg brought together 22 patient advocacy organizations for a symposium exploring the evolving role of monoclonal antibodies in preventing infectious diseases, including COVID and RSV. Getting important science from experts to the people who need it takes more than research alone. It takes conversation, questions, and collaboration between scientists, clinicians, advocates, and the organizations communities already know and trust. Thank you to the experts, moderators, advocates, and partners who joined us for this important conversation. And this is just the beginning. We’ll be turning what we learned into accessible educational resources — including articles, an explainer video, and more — to help bring this science to the communities we serve. #PatientAdvocacy #PublicHealth #MonoclonalAntibodies

Not every disability comes with a visible sign. Some people use wheelchairs, canes, walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids. Others live with chronic pain, fatigue, autoimmune disease, neurological symptoms, or other limitations you can’t see just by looking at them. And that invisibility can come with its own burden: feeling like you have to prove you’re “disabled enough.” You can be young and disabled. You can walk and still need accommodations. You can have a good day and still be disabled. You can use a mobility aid sometimes and not others. You can look “fine” while managing symptoms no one else can see. Disability isn’t a competition. Someone shouldn’t have to make their symptoms visible before we take their needs seriously. A little less judgment. A little more understanding. 💜 What’s something you wish more people understood about invisible disabilities? #InvisibleDisability #ChronicIllness #DisabilityAwareness

About 1 in 3 people with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis — but would you recognize the signs? Swollen fingers or toes, heel pain, back pain, nail changes, eye inflammation, and fatigue can all be signs of PsA. If something feels different, it’s worth bringing it up with your health care provider. Early diagnosis matters. Untreated psoriatic arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage, so knowing what to look for can help you advocate for the care you need. Hear from people living with PsA and explore resources to help guide your care journey: creakyjoints.org/ucb-pso-and… #PsoriaticArthritis #Psoriasis #PsA

Getting a myositis diagnosis can take months — even years. Because symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, and rash can have many causes — and myositis is rare — patients may face multiple appointments and dead ends before getting answers. Why can diagnosis take so long, and what could help make the road shorter? creakyjoints.org/education/m… @shelley_fritz1 #Myositis #WorldMyositisDay #AutoimmuneDisease

For years, myositis was described as a “painless” disease. But patients have been telling a different story. New research shows roughly 80% of people with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies report pain — yet more than 70% surveyed said they didn’t feel their care team understood their pain. The research is finally catching up to what patients already knew. Learn more about myositis pain, why it happens, and how to talk about it with your doctor: creakyjoints.org/education/m… @shelley_fritz1 #Myositis #ChronicPain #AutoimmuneDisease #WorldMyositisDay

Today is #WorldMyositisDay. 💜 Myositis is a group of rare inflammatory muscle diseases that can cause muscle weakness and make everyday movements harder — sometimes turning things like climbing stairs, getting up from a chair, lifting your arms, or washing your hair into a challenge. Muscle weakness is a hallmark symptom, but myositis can look different from person to person. Depending on the type, symptoms may also include fatigue, difficulty swallowing, breathing or lung problems, and skin rashes. For people living with myositis, understanding your symptoms and having reliable information can help you better navigate daily life and conversations with your health care team. We created free Myositis Guides with practical information on movement, managing flares, overall well-being, and preparing for doctor visits. Learn more and explore the guides: creakyjoints.org/education/m… #MyositisAwareness #Myositis #ChronicIllness

You don’t need to catch up, be productive, or make the most of your weekend. Sometimes taking care of yourself is the plan. 💜 #ChronicIllness #SelfCare

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect more than your joints — it can affect your lungs, too. On #ILDDay, we’re raising awareness of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and the importance of recognizing changes like persistent dry cough or shortness of breath. Learn more: pulmonaryfibrosis.org/get-in… #RheumatoidArthritis #ChronicIllness

New #HealthcareMatters: When Medicare Pays Less, Do Patients Pay Less? @PopovianPharmD and @AngelaDegrassi examine early IRA data and whether negotiated drug prices lower patients’ costs at the pharmacy counter. Tune in now: youtube.com/watch?v=SyFzvDjT… #HealthcareMatters #Medicare #DrugAffordability

If gout has been part of your story, we want to hear more. @GHLForg is looking to partner with people willing to share how gout has impacted their life — and this is a paid opportunity. Visit: surveymonkey.com/r/XBFWJR9 to fill out a short form and connect with our team. Your story could help someone else feel less alone. 💙 #Gout #GoutAwareness

We want to hear from you! Living with asthma can mean navigating difficult breathing days, treatment decisions, and everyday adjustments that others may not always see. We are looking to connect with people living with asthma who are willing to share how the condition has impacted their lives. 💙 This is a paid opportunity to share your experience and help us better understand the realities of living with asthma. Interested? Take our short survey to connect with our team: surveymonkey.com/r/ZL5BMTD Your experience matters. Your voice can help make a difference. #Asthma #PatientVoices #Patients

Living with knee osteoarthritis can affect every part of daily life. Tell Congress why patients need continued research, innovation, and meaningful new treatment options. Send your letter today: creakyjoints.org/oaadvocacy/ #Osteoarthritis #KneeOsteoarthritis #ArthritisAdvocacy #PatientAdvocacy

A weekend reminder for anyone living with chronic illness — and the people who love them. ❤️‍🩹 ✨ Canceling plans isn’t being flaky. 🛌 Resting isn’t being lazy. 🫶 Looking “okay” doesn’t mean feeling okay. 🧠 Even making plans can take energy. 💛 A slow, simple hang still counts. 🚫 Guilt doesn’t make canceling any easier. 💌 And please, keep inviting us — even when we can’t always say yes. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is make it easy for someone to say yes and safe for them to say no. What would you add to this list? 👇 #ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness

We want to hear from our patient community: How has shingles affected you or someone you care about? What questions or concerns do you have about shingles or the shingles vaccine? What do you wish you had known sooner? Share only what you’re comfortable posting publicly. #Shingles

Maybe it took months or years. Maybe you’re still figuring it out. Every TED journey looks different. Drop your letter below — and tell us more if you’d like. 👇 #ThyroidEyeDisease #TEDAwareness

Millions of Americans live with osteoarthritis, yet right now, our treatment options are frustratingly few. But what if we could change that? Your voice—by contacting your elected representatives—can help spark the innovation people living with osteoarthritis deserve. When was the last time you felt empowered to shape healthcare? Now's your chance. 🗣️ Make your voice heard via the link in our bio or visit: creakyjoints.org/oaadvocacy/ #Osteoarthritis #Arthritis #ArthritisAdvocacy #HealthcareAdvocacy #PatientAdvocacy